URGENT HELP NEEDED: Strange boxes over header area in Word 2010

[zee_shah]

Hi,

I'm working on a large report with many charts, tables, hyperlinks, cross references etc. Out of nowhere, word started displaying a string of black boxes on top of the document that can't be selected. They are on top of the document as they fade when header is active and they are also appearing in print. A couple months ago a black bar started appearing in the same document but at that time I had a backup which I resorted to. I really need this removed urgently, please help!

Attached are screenshots of the problem and also a printed PDF view.



Regards,
Zeeshan